The 4c’s of Diamonds
The ‘Four Cs’ are how the characteristics of diamonds are assessed, helping to ensure that the end-user gets great value stones.
Cut
Most people in the jewellery trade regard the ‘cut’ as the most important of the ‘Four Cs’ when it comes to determining how much a diamond sparkles.
The word is used not only to describe the shape of the diamond, but also to express how well its facets are arranged, how symmetrical they are and how smooth their surfaces are.
There are two main types of cuts (step cuts and brilliant cuts) and a wide range of diamond shapes.
Colour
Diamonds are graded on a scale from D to Z and this scale measures how ‘white’ or ‘colourless’ a diamond is.
The scale starts at D in case diamonds that are whiter are ever found and diamonds at the higher end of the scale are worth more.
Carat
The carat refers to the size of a diamond and is derived from the weight of a carob seed. One carat is a fifth of a gram and is made up of 100 points.
A one carat round brilliant with good proportions should have a diameter of 6.5mm.
Clarity
The clarity of a diamond is graded on a scale from IF to PK and refers to the amount and type of natural inclusions a diamond has. The clarity of a diamond is graded on a scale from IF to PK and refers to the amount and type of natural inclusions a diamond has.
Diamonds with fewer or no natural inclusions are rarer and more valuable, however, it is a matter of taste and diamonds with prominent inclusions, known as ‘salt & pepper’ diamonds, are extremely popular.
